Monthly Archives: February 2018

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 61 CFS and 40F. Fishing on the Gunpowder picked up a bit this week as mild air temperatures allowed water temperatures to creep out of the 30s and reach 40F. A few degree bump in water temperatures seemed to bring the river to life a bit more than weeks past. Winter stones could be seen along the riverbank and even a few splashy rises were reported. Drifting small stonefly nymphs and midges is always a good bet this time of year. Streamers will work. In the late afternoon when water temps are at their peak, try an adult stonefly pattern in the faster water. You may be surprised!

As a long winter is finally starting to let up, it’s time to think about a new rod to embrace the trout fishing season with. Here at Backwater Angler we have a fantastic selection of 5 weight rods from R.L. Winston Rod Company. If you’re planning on any special trips this spring or summer, stop in and see for yourself what the ‘Winston Feel’ is all about. You may end up with the fly rod you’ve been waiting for…

We have the following Winston’s in 5 weight in-stock and ready to cast:

9 foot 4 piece AIR – $950

9 foot 4 piece BIIIX – $845

9 foot 5 piece BIIIX – $895

8’9” 5 piece LT – $850

8’6” 3 piece WT – $850

Stop in between Feb 15th through February 26th to cast a Winston and register for a Winston Hoodie and hat give-away. The smiles are no charge.

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 61 cfs, starting the day at 37 degrees F and it is carrying a little color.

It’s never easy to catch fish consistently at this time of year as water temperatures linger in the mid- 30’s. That said, persistence pays off, as demonstrated by Seth Hinder who has put in a lot of time fishing the Gunpowder all winter. He caught this 17 inch brown swinging and stripping a zonker downstream erratically. Nice work Seth!

This weekend should see a break in the freezing nighttime temperatures, this will help get that water temperature up which will stir up the insect, then, trout activity. The weather is forecast to be cloudy, still and wet, ideal for some early season trout fishing!

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday March the 18th a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on fly fishing in Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear and fly selection. Class is held from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday March the 17th a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on fly fishing in Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear and fly selection. Class is held from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.

Anyone out there need a used G. Loomis IMX 9ft 10wt 4pc fly rod? It’s perfect for sinking lines and heavy work with small Tarpon, big Jacks, Permit and Musky.If you are lucky bidder it could be yours at the end of the 7 day auction. If you simply can’t wait till the end, now is your chance to pick it up using BUY It Now for a mere $275! No calls please. It’s a Backwater Angler E-Bay exclusive and will not be sold out of the shop. Shipping Costs are a fair $15 for USPS Priority Mail. See the listing and product description-We’ve described it as a classic G. Loomis rod designed for fishing for aggressive and large fish. The 3rd stripping guide has light corrosion. The rod has a soiled grip and original bag & tube. It is ideal for large water when casting heavy streamers for tarpon, jacks, musky, and rockfish. It’s one of the great ones and can easily handle an 11 weight floater and sinking lines up to 450 grains.Happy bidding!

The Gunpowder is at 91 cfs, starting the day 36.5 degrees at Falls Road, and clear.

Fishing on the Gunpowder is generally slow but time put in on the river always pays off. I fished Wednesday afternoon with Darin Crew above Falls road and we had the place to ourselves. The temperature was lingering below freezing but the wind had subsided allowing for comfortable fishing. Between us we covered a lot of water and ended with 5 trout but those caught were chunky wild browns between 9 – 14 inches.

When the water temperatures are as cold as they are, and little is hatching, odds are against catching numbers so it’s often worthwhile going for larger fish that may be tempted into opportunistic meal. Dead drifting streamers in the deeper pools is a great way to target these fish.

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday March the 11th a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on fly fishing in Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear and fly selection. Class is held from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday March the 10th a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on fly fishing in Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear and fly selection. Class is held from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.